Computer tables

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to improvements in and relating to computer tables. In particular, computer tables capable of automatically adjusting to accommodate the requirements of an individual user are provided. Preferred embodiments include: automatic alteration of the height of a computer table support surface relative to a ground surface; automatic alteration of the height of a computer monitor support bracket relative to the computer table support surface; and indication to the user the required height adjustment of an associated chair so as to accord to a user&#39;s preferred height settings when the user enters identifier information into an associated programmable logic unit.

This application is a Continuation-in-Part application of U.S.application Ser. No. 12/224,911 filed on Nov. 17, 2008, the contents ofwhich are incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to improvements in and relating tocomputer tables. In particular, computer tables capable of automaticallyadjusting to accommodate the requirements of an individual user.

BACKGROUND ART

In recent times there is an overall trend towards people spending longersedentary hours in front of a computer for either recreational useand/or business use. Incorrect posture when sitting at a computer tablefor extended periods, such as in a workplace when working at a computeror other equipment, can lead to problems in a persons comfort,productivity and health.

Health problems can include repetitive strain injuries (RSI) or poorposture injuries. Such health problems can increase the amount of sickdays taken by a worker, which can indirectly affect an employer's coststhrough decreased productivity.

Many employees in today's workplaces work flexible hours with can resultin more than one person working at a particular workstation. An exampleof a workplace with multi-user computer tables is at call centres.

Improvements in office ergonomics have been made over recent years interms of improved design for ease of use of tables, chairs, computers,computer monitors, computer keyboard and associated computer pointingdevices (such as a mouse) in the work place.

In terms of computer desks presently available two basic office tabledesigns exist.

The static computer table design is basically a table of standard heightand which is not adjustable. From this fixed position, the operator isforced to work with little or no flexibility and which does notaccommodate a person's individual posture needs.

The adjustable computer table design requires manual adjustment by auser. However, this can lead to inconsistent and variable heightfluctuation, as time constraints on the user can often prevent correcttable adjustment, and further still a user may not over time exactlyremember what height is ideal. Thus these fluctuations from the idealheight over time can have a detrimental effect on the health of theindividual user.

There is therefore a need for an adjustable computer table which iscapable of automatically adjusting to the height specified for a user toensure correct posture and/or to provide a comfortable sitting positioneach time the user uses the table.

There is also a need for an adjustable computer table that provides anautomatic adjustment of the height of a computer monitor or screenrelative to the table surface to accommodate different user preferenceand/or requirements. As having the computer monitor or screen at or nearthe correct eye height can encourage the user to sit up straightpreserving the normal lordotic curvature of the neck while reducingexcessive neck and upper shoulder muscular strain and ligament sprains.

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited inthis specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission ismade that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of thereferences states what their authors assert, and the applicants reservethe right to challenge the accuracy and pertinence of the citeddocuments. It will be clearly understood that, although a number ofprior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does notconstitute an admission that any of these documents form part of thecommon general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any othercountry.

It is acknowledged that the term ‘comprise’ may, under varyingjurisdictions, be attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusivemeaning. For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwisenoted, the term ‘comprise’ shall have an inclusive meaning—i.e. that itwill be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components itdirectly references, but also other non-specified components orelements. This rationale will also be used when the term ‘comprised’ or‘comprising’ is used in relation to one or more steps in a method orprocess.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a computer tablecapable of automatically adjusting its height and that of an associatedcomputer monitor or portable computer support bracket via actuatorsoperated by a programmable logic unit upon receiving information as tothe user of the table or at least to provide the public with a usefulalternative.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of exampleonly.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided acomputer table having a support surface, the computer table having

at least one first actuator capable of altering the height of thesupport surface relative to a ground surface on which the table rests;

a second actuator capable of altering the height of a computer monitorsupport bracket relative to the support surface,

wherein the table is configured to enable:

the at least one first actuator to alter the height of the supportsurface relative to a ground surface; and

the second actuator to alter the height of the computer monitor supportbracket relative to the support surface;

and wherein the at least one first actuator and the second actuator areconfigured to be operated by a programmable logic unit which isconfigured to:

(a) store a user's preferred height for the support surface, computermonitor support bracket and an associated chair;

(b) receive identifier information from a data input device as to theuser of the table and compare to the previous height settings of thesupport surface and computer monitor support bracket, and,

(c) operate the actuators to adjust the height of:

the support surface relative to a ground surface; and

computer monitor support bracket relative to the support surface;

to the preferred height of the user, and

(d) indicate to the user the required height of the chair to thepreferred height of the user.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provideda computer table disposed on a ground surface, the computer table having

a support surface;

at least one first actuator operably connected to the support surfaceand capable of altering the height of the support surface relative to aground surface on which the table rests;

a computer monitor bracket operably connected to the support surface;

a second actuator capable of altering the height of a computer monitorsupport bracket relative to the support surface,

wherein the table is configured to enable:

the at least one first actuator to alter the height of the supportsurface relative to a ground surface; and

the second actuator to alter the height of the computer monitor supportbracket relative to the support surface;

and wherein the at least one first actuator and the second actuator areconfigured to be operated by a programmable logic unit which isconfigured to:

(a) store a user's preferred height for the support surface, computermonitor support bracket and an associated chair;

(b) receive identifier information from a data input device as to theuser of the table and compare to the previous height settings of thesupport surface and computer monitor support bracket;

(c) operate the actuators to adjust the height of: the support surfacerelative to a ground surface; and the height of the computer monitorsupport bracket relative to the support surface to the preferred heightof the user; and

(d) indicate to the user the required height of the chair to thepreferred height of the user.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provideda computer table disposed on a ground surface, the computer table having

a support surface;

at least one first actuator operably connected to the support surfaceand capable of altering a distance between the support surface and theground surface on which the table rests;

a computer monitor bracket operably connected to the support surface;

a second actuator capable of altering a distance between the computermonitor support bracket and the support surface,

wherein the table is configured to enable:

the at least one first actuator to alter the distance between thesupport surface and the ground surface; and

the second actuator to alter the distance between the computer monitorsupport bracket and the support surface;

and wherein the at least one first actuator and the second actuator areconfigured to be operated by a programmable logic unit which isconfigured to:

(a) store a user's preferred height for the support surface, computermonitor support bracket and an associated chair;

(b) receive identifier information from a data input device as to theuser of the table and compare to the previous height settings of thesupport surface and computer monitor support bracket;

(c) operate the actuators to adjust the distance between the the supportsurface and the ground surface; and the computer monitor support bracketand the support surface to the preferred height of the user; and

(d) indicate to the user the required height of the chair to thepreferred height of the user.

The computer table may have an actuator that may also alter the heightof the computer monitor support bracket and the support surface.

The computer table has a computer monitor support bracket that isoperably connected to the support surface by a linkage.

For the purposes of the specification the term “support surface” orgrammatical variations thereof may refer to computer table top on whicha user may work, or similar.

For the purposes of the specification the term “ground surface” orgrammatical variations thereof may refer a floor or such like, on whicha computer table rests.

For the purposes of the specification the term “computer monitor supportbracket” or grammatical variations thereof may refer to a platformbracket or such like capable of supporting a computer monitor,television monitor, laptop, tablet computer such as an iPad or similar.

For the purposes of the specification, the term “data input device”refers to a device that can be used to insert data into a computer orother computational device.

Preferably, the first actuators are rotary actuators that are capable ofbeing electrically driven with an associated electric motor.

Preferably, the at least one first actuator is two first actuatorsdriven from a single associated electric motor.

Preferably, each first actuator moves a first leg of a pair of legswhich are pivotally connected to a second leg of each pair of legs in ascissor arrangement to raise or lower the height of the pairs of legs.

Preferably, the first leg of each pair of legs each include a wheel, orslide thereon to facilitate movement of the first leg relative to theground surface and each second leg of each pair of legs is fixed to theground surface and pivotally connected to the underside of the supportsurface to enable the height of the support surface to be altered withmovement of the first leg of each pair of legs.

Preferably, the second actuator is attached to the end of a movable armto which the computer monitor support bracket is attached.

Preferably, the second actuator is a telescopic pillar that is capableof being electrically driven with an associated electric motor.

Preferably, the computer monitor support bracket is movably connected tothe second actuator via an arm, so that the second actuator can alterthe position of the computer monitor support bracket and associated armto adjust the height of the computer monitor support bracket relative tothe support surface.

Preferably, the identifier information is in the form of a login nameand password. Preferably, the data input device is in the form of akeyboard.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from thefollowing description which is given by way of example only and withreference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1: shows a top elevation view of a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention in the form of a computer table;

FIG. 2: shows a bottom elevation view of the preferred embodiment shownin FIG. 1;

FIG. 3: shows a side view of the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1,and

FIG. 4: shows a cross sectional side view of the leg drive mechanism ofthe preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of the gearbox assembly of the preferredembodiment shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 shows a schematic rear view of a monitor stand of the preferredembodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 shows a front elevation view of the monitor stand shown in FIG.1;

FIG. 8 shows a back elevation view of the monitor stand shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 shows a front elevation view of the monitor stand shown in FIG. 1with a laptop attached to the computer support bracket;

FIG. 10 shows a back elevation view of the monitor stand shown in FIG.9;

FIG. 11 shows a front elevation view of the monitor stand shown in FIG.1 with two computer monitors attached to the computer support bracket;

FIG. 12 shows a back elevation view of the monitor stand shown in FIG.11;

FIG. 13 shows a front elevation view of the monitor stand shown in FIG.1 with one computer monitor and a laptop attached to the computersupport bracket;

FIG. 14 shows a back elevation view of the monitor stand shown in FIG.13;

FIG. 15 shows a schematic view of a network of computer tables accordingto a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 16 shows a diagram illustrating the process of operation of thepreferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1 in relation to an associated chair.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, in a preferred form of the invention acomputer table is shown generally indicated by arrow 1. The computertable 1 has a support surface 2 in the form of a table top which issupported on a ground surface 3 by two pairs of symmetrical legs 4. Eachleg 4 is connected to its pair member at a rigid bush and flange pivot4A. Attached to the support surface 2 is a support arm 11 which issupported on the support surface 2 at a pedestal 6. The support arm 11supports at least one computer monitor 24.

The computer table 1 has two first actuators 8 in the form of a pair offlexible rotating drive cables driven by a single motor 9 via a gearbox10. The first actuators 8 are each moveably connected to the top end ofa first table leg 4B of each leg pair 4 via a lead screw 11 and a rubbersealed ball bearing 12 (best seen in FIG. 4) which are housed in aplastic injection moulded carrier 13. The top of the table legs 4B isattached to the lead screw 11 so that rotation of the actuator 8 resultsin movement of the lead screw 11 and table legs 4B relative to thecarrier 13.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 the table leg 4B of each leg pair 4 contactsthe ground surface 6 by means of a movable wheel 9. The second leg 4C ofeach leg pair 4 is pivotally attached to the underside of the supportsurface 2 and is in contact with the ground surface 3 at a foot 15 (asshown in FIGS. 1 to 3) having an indented grip surface (not shown).

A table leg drive mechanism comprising the motor 9, gearbox 11, firstactuators 8, lead screw 11 and bearing 12 is capable of altering theheight of a support surface 2 relative to a ground surface 3.Alternatively stated, the table leg drive mechanism is capable ofaltering the distance between support surface 2 and ground surface 3.The use of one motor 9 driving movement of two first actuators 8 eachattached to a leg pair 4 eliminates synchronisation errors between thetwo leg pairs 4 and therefore results in a stable support surface 2 asits height is altered.

Referring to FIG. 5, the first actuators 8 in the form of flexi-driveshaft cables are connected to plastic injection moulded carriers 16which are in contact with a 12 volt DC motor 10 which causes rotation ofthe first actuators. The carriers 16 are in turn connected to a gearbox10 comprising a gear set 17 and bearing (not shown) which is drivinglyconnected plastic moulded worm gears which are in turn drivinglyconnected to a 10 turn wire potentiometer 19 to provide feedback on theposition of the actuators 8. The gearbox 10 is housed in a plastic cover20.

Referring to FIG. 6, the computer table 1 has a vertical support memberin the form of a telescopic pillar 21, the extension or retraction ofwhich is driven by a second actuator 22 in the form of a linear threadtype actuator (which is housed within an arm 23) and is configured toalter the height of a computer monitor 24 (such as a 21 inch 16:9 formatscreen) or laptop computer 24A (as shown in FIGS. 9, 10, 13 and 14)attached to a support bracket 25 or 25A respectively. The supportbracket 15 is pivotally attached to the arm 23 via a hinge 26. The arm23 is attached to the telescopic pillar 21 at a hinge 27.

In response to an electrical signal the second actuator 22 can beactivated to alter the position of the support bracket 24 via thetelescopic pillar 21 to adjust the height of the support bracket 24relative to the support surface 2. Alternatively stated, second actuator22 can be activated to alter distance between support bracket 24 and thesupport surface 2 via the telescopic pillar 21. In use, the activationof both the first actuators 8 and the second actuator 22 may change theheight of both the support surface 2 and computer support bracket 24simultaneously because support surface 2 and computer support bracket 24are connected via telescopic pillar 21. For example, distance betweencomputer support bracket 24 and the ground surface 3 may be fixed andthe height of support surface 2 may be changed depending upon theelectrical signals received by actuators 8 and 22.

It is envisaged the first 8 and second 22 actuators may come in avariety of different forms (such as pneumatic linear actuators) withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention. In addition, thetable may be configured in a variety of different ways to enable thefirst actuators 8 to alter the height of the computer table supportsurface 2.

The telescopic pillar 21 and second actuator 22 is seated on the supportsurface 2 at a pedestal 28 and connected to the support surface 2 via aclamp 29. The clamp 29 includes a ‘C’ shaped clamp arm which fixes overthe edge of the support surface 2 and attaches to the telescopic pillar21 outer housing via a threaded stud (not shown) which passes up throughan aperture in the pedestal 28 and fixes to a overhang extending fromthe telescopic pillar 21 outer housing. A cam insert and cam handle isalso incorporated in the clamp 29 to facilitate releasable attachment ofthe telescopic arm 21 to the support surface 2.

The pedestal 28 incorporates data connection ports, in the form ofuniversal serial bus (USB) 2.00 ports 30 (as shown in FIGS. 7, 9, 11 and13) for digital connection to a computer 30 (shown in FIG. 11). Thepedestal 28 also comprises up/down control buttons to facilitate a userto manually control the height of the computer monitor 24 via the secondactuator 22.

Referring to FIGS. 7 to 14 the telescopic pillar 21 may support a singlecomputer monitor 24 on a support bracket 25 (as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8)or a single laptop computer 24A (as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10), or anotherdisplay device such as a tablet computer, on a support bracket 25A via astem 31 which attaches to an indexing head 32 of the telescopic pillar21. Alternatively, a second monitor 24B or laptop (not shown) isattached to the support bracket 25 and 25A respectively via an arm 23which connects the stem 31 to the indexing head 32 at hinges 26 and 27respectively to facilitate fine adjustment of the position of themonitor 24/24B and/or laptop 24A.

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the central line of the first monitor 24may be adjusted to the central lines 33 of the laptop 24A via adjustmentholes 34 in the laptop bracket 25A to accommodate different sizedscreens.

Referring to FIG. 15 the computer table 1 comprises a local computer 30located along with an associated data input device, in the form of akeyboard 36 on the computer table support surface 2. The computer mayoptionally be housed in a body (not shown) attached to the supportsurface 2. Other forms of data input device may be used such as a swipecard reader, bar code reader, finger print scanner, retinal scanner, orsimilar, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The local computer 30 is in connection with a remote central server 100in conjunction with website manager software 200 through the internet300. A plurality of like computer tables 1 similarly connected to thecentral server 100 forms a network.

Once a user logs onto the local computer 30 via the keyboard 36, theremote server 100 on receiving the user identifier information comparesthe previously stored coordinates for the user preferred height settingsof the support surface 2 and support bracket 25 with their currentpositions and (if necessary) activates the first 8 and second 22actuators to raise or lower the height of the support surface 2 and/orsupport bracket 25/25A simultaneously and therefore provide for movementof the first leg 4B of each leg pair 4 telescopic pillar 21 respectivelyto the preferred height settings.

Referring to FIG. 16 the computer table 1 also comprises an associatedchair 37 comprising a base 38 and seat 39 (incorporating a pressuresensor 40). In addition, the chair 37 comprises an optical sensor module41, optical sensor beam 42 and optical reflection plate 43 whichcooperate to provide a radio frequency signal 44 of chair height whichis received by a chair mounted transducer 45 (with an associated energyharvesting module 46 to charge a battery (not shown). A secondtransducer 46 situated on the computer table 1 receives the chair heightsignal via a radio frequency link 47 and then transmits a signal 48 to acomputer (not shown) positioned locally to the computer table 1 or acentral computer server (not shown).

The chair height signal is processed via a processor (not shown) andvisually displayed to a user via a display screen 24 on logging onto thecomputer, together with directions to manually adjust (via lowering orraising) the height of the chair from its present position to the userspreferred height. In this way, the seating position of a user inrelation to the computer table 1 is optimised.

A user's preferred height for the support surface 2 and monitor supportbracket 25 and an associated chair 37 may be determined by measurementof the height parameters which result in reduced stress on the lordoticcurvature of the spine when sitting behind the computer table 1.

More specifically, the measurements taken for the user preferred heightparameters may be determined for each user as follows:

The ideal preferred height of the support surface 2 relative to theground surface 3 may be determined from analysis of a stress freesitting position achieved when the back of a user has a zero degreeforward flex and the user's chin is parallel to the ground surface 3.Typically, the height of the support bracket 2 should be around or justbelow the elbow height of the user in this stress free position in thechair 37 to be used with the computer table 1.

The ideal preferred height of the support bracket 25 relative to thesupport surface 2 may then be determined by ascertaining the distancebetween the support bracket 25 and support surface 2 when the supportbracket 25 is positioned approximately 2.5 cm above the eye level of theuser when sitting in the stress free position.

A stress free position of zero degree forward flex may be generallyachieved when the user is seated and an imaginary plumb line from thecentre of the ear falls through the centre of the shoulder and hip.

Digital pictures of the seated user in such a zero stress position onthe chair 37 to be used with the computer table 1 of the presentinvention may be taken and downloaded into a computer for analysis by asuitable software program. The height measurements for a user can thenbe ascertained by the software may include:

-   -   The height of the support surface 2 relative to the ground        surface 3, and,    -   The height of the bottom of the support bracket 25 relative to        the support surface 2.

Alternatively, the preferred height measurements may be manuallyobtained, recorded and entered into the computer controlling theactuators.

These measurements can then be used to adjust the first 8 and second 22actuators to the correct computer table height and support bracketheight when a computer table user enters identifier information.

The support surface 3 may include a keyboard surface (not shown) whichis positioned below the top of the support surface 3 so that the top ofthe keyboard 36 and mouse (not shown) are approximately level with thetop of the support surface 3. Such a design enables the keyboard to sitflush with the support surface to prevent the possibility of having thewrist in a hyperflexed or hyperextended position which could over timecreate an injury.

The computer table may be sold in kitset form with accessories such as acomputer, monitor, keyboard, and mouse or similar.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention may have a number ofadvantages over the prior art which can include:

-   -   ease of use for a user to achieve an ergonomic working position        via automatic alteration of the height of a computer table        support surface relative to a ground surface; and/or the height        of a support bracket relative to the computer table support        surface; and/or an indication of the preferred height of an        associated chair;    -   relative low cost of manufacture; and    -   robust construction.

Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to integersor components their equivalents are incorporated herein.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of exampleonly and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions maybe made thereto without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

1. A computer table disposed on a ground surface, the computer tablecomprising: a support surface; at least one first actuator operablyconnected to the support surface and capable of altering the height ofthe support surface relative to a ground surface on which the computertable rests; a computer monitor bracket operably connected to thesupport surface; a second actuator capable of altering the height of acomputer monitor support bracket relative to the support surface,wherein the table is configured to enable: the at least one firstactuator to alter the height of the support surface relative to a groundsurface; and the second actuator to alter the height of the computermonitor support bracket relative to the support surface; and wherein theat least one first actuator and the second actuator are configured to beoperated by a programmable logic unit which is configured to: (a) storea user's preferred height for the support surface, computer monitorsupport bracket and an associated chair; (b) receive identifierinformation from a data input device as to the user of the table andcompare to the previous height settings of the support surface andcomputer monitor support bracket; (c) operate the actuators to adjustthe height of: the support surface relative to a ground surface; and theheight of the computer monitor support bracket relative to the supportsurface to the preferred height of the user; and (d) indicate to theuser the required height of the chair to the preferred height of theuser.
 2. A computer table as claimed in claim 1, wherein the firstactuators are rotary actuators that are capable of being electricallydriven with an associated electric motor.
 3. A computer table as claimedin claim 2, wherein the at least one first actuator is two firstactuators driven from a single associated electric motor.
 4. A computertable as claimed in claim 3, wherein each first actuator moves a firstleg of a pair of legs which are pivotally connected to a second leg ofeach pair of legs in a scissor arrangement to raise or lower the heightof the pairs of legs.
 5. A computer table as claimed in claim 4, whereinthe first leg of each pair of legs each include a wheel, or slidethereon to facilitate movement of the first leg relative to the groundsurface and each second leg of each pair of legs is fixed to the groundsurface and pivotally connected to the underside of the support surfaceto enable the height of the support surface to be altered with movementof the first leg of each pair of legs.
 6. A computer table as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the second actuator is attached to the end of a movablearm to which the computer monitor support bracket is attached.
 7. Acomputer table as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second actuator is atelescopic pillar that is capable of being electrically driven with anassociated electric motor.
 8. A computer table as claimed in claim 1,wherein the computer monitor support bracket is movably connected to thesecond actuator via an arm, so that the second actuator can alter theposition of the computer monitor support bracket and associated arm toadjust the height of the computer monitor support bracket relative tothe support surface.
 9. A computer table as claimed in claim 1, whereinthe identifier information is in the form of a login name and password.10. A computer table as claimed in claim 1 wherein the data input deviceis in the form of a keyboard.
 11. A computer table as claimed in claim 1wherein said first actuator is able to alter the height of the computermonitor support bracket and the support surface.
 12. A computer table asclaimed in claim 1 wherein the computer monitor support bracket isoperably connected to the support surface by a linkage.
 13. A computertable as claimed in claim 12 wherein the linkage is a telescopic arm.